The Eunice Players Theatre production of "The Diary of Anne Frank" will begin its two-week run Sept. 11.

Director Jody Powell said the play will likely be familiar to many.

"This is the story of a teenage girl and her family in hiding during World War II that many will recognize," Powell said.

"Based upon the book, the story is an undeniably moving account of the lives of eight people who went into hiding to escape persecution under Nazi rule and the compassionate friends who helped them," she said.

"The staging of this production captures the claustrophobic realities of their daily existence, and yet it is essentially a story of hope and the triumph of the human spirit," Powell said.

She said rehearsals are underway.

"Shiloh Kittles, of Eunice, brings the title character to the stage with a voice full of courage, determination and wit," Powell said.

The 13-year-old lead actress already has several stage productions in Crowley and Eunice under her belt.

Randy T.C. LaCombe, of Crowley, a longtime theater veteran, is also in the cast.

"The last person to join the Frank family in the attic is Mr. Dussel, played by Shane Guilbeau, of Lafayette. Shane delighted EPT audiences with his comedic turns in 'What the Bellhop Saw' and 'The Murder Room.' He has been in several productions in Lafayette and has recently completed filming for a TV series," Powell said.

Playing the role of Miep Gies, the woman who regularly visited the families in hiding to deliver supplies, is Kristi Burleigh, of Ville Platte.

"Brett Faulker of Eunice, an EPT board member and frequent set-builder, portrays Mr. Kraler, the business partner of Mr. Frank who keeps the family hidden and brings them news of the outside world," Powell said.

Powell cautions potential audience members that the play includes very brief use of cigarettes.

The production will continue at 7 p.m. Friday and the following Thursday through Saturday, Sept. 18, 19 and 20. There will be a matinee at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14.

The theater, in cooperation with Ruby's on Second Street, will also host a dinner theater performance on Wednesday, Sept. 17.

Patrons can enjoy a steak dinner with all the trimmings at Ruby's before the start of the play next door.

"Tickets for all performances are $10, though there is an additional $20 fee for the meal," Powell said.

Tickets can be purchased in advance at David Ltd. Salon or by calling 337-546-0163 or 337-457-2156 to charge by phone. Tickets can also be purchased at the door the day of each show.

Season tickets are still available for $20 each. Those tickets allows the bearer entrance to the theater's two remaining shows, the ability to make seating reservations and both a ballot for and invitation to the Irving Awards, players' version of the Oscars.

For more information, visit euniceplayers.blogspot.com or the Eunice Players Theatre's Facebook page.